Chapter 707 Lawrence's Predicament
Winnie slowed her roll a bit in front of the elevator.
Melanie couldn't help but scowl, "Man, the receptionist at The Ramirez Group is so cheeky. They owe money and still act all high and mighty. Now that the Rodriguez Family's down, they don't even give Mr. Rodriguez the time of day."
"Yeah, they don't just ignore him, they straight-up mock him," Winnie said approvingly.
When the elevator doors slid open, Winnie should've hustled in, but for some reason, she hesitated.
Right then, she caught Lawrence's secretary losing his cool.
But Lawrence cut in, calm as ever, "Then set up an appointment. However long it takes, I'll wait."
"Alright, I'll book it for you. Just hang tight," the receptionist said, raising an eyebrow.
"Mr. Rodriguez, you can chill over there," the secretary said, brushing off the couch.
Lawrence didn't budge, his eyes catching Winnie's slender figure slipping into the elevator.
Upstairs, Winnie had just walked into Herman's office when she saw him on the phone, "Lawrence? Get rid of him. What's there to be scared of? He's a nobody now. Wants an appointment? Fine, let him wait. He probably doesn't get that if I don't want him to have an appointment, he won't get one. Let him wait. Ms. Blanchet, you're here!"
Herman immediately stood up, his round body jiggling.
Winnie squinted, watching how fast he could switch up, feeling a chill run down her spine.
'The once-mighty Lawrence, a business kingpin with devilish tactics but a gentleman in the biz world, probably never knew that the company's appointment system is just a joke,' she thought.
"Ms. Blanchet, hang on a sec. I'll grab the contract right away," Herman said warmly, "Is Mr. Blanchet feeling better? The Ramirez Group is happy to supply raw materials for the Blanchet Family. About that three percent discount I mentioned last time..."
"Mr. Ramirez, that's a no-go," Winnie suddenly changed her mind, "The Blanchet Family won't offer a discount. If you're not cool with that, you can find another partner."
"What?" Herman was ticked off, "Didn't you say you'd think about it last time?"
"I did, but it also depends on the partner's character," Winnie said coldly.
Herman was fuming but saw Winnie standing up. Not wanting to lose the big order from the Blanchet Family, he said humbly, "Ms. Blanchet, I'll sign it."
Melanie coldly unfolded the contract as Herman read it carefully, had a lawyer check it out, and then signed his name right away.
He grinned obsequiously, "Ms. Blanchet, got any plans this afternoon? I've invited a few CEOs for a round of golf. Wanna join?"
"Thanks, but I've got other stuff to do," Winnie declined and left. Herman's secretary escorted them downstairs.
The elevator doors opened, and Winnie walked out, spotting Lawrence's cold figure still at the reception. His perfect body proportions made him stand out anywhere.
A few staff was eyeing him with a mix of admiration and disdain. One even whispered, "He's really hot."
Another chimed in,"But it's a shame he's fallen from grace. I heard he's worth less than an average rich kid now."
The first pointed, "Look, he even has to make an appointment to see Mr. Ramirez. This kind of broke guy is only good for one thing. Bet he's got good stamina."
Winnie sneered at their conversation, thinking they probably didn't know he had erectile dysfunction.
Her cheeks reddened at the thought. She glanced at him, wondering if he'd seen a doctor, which was none of her business.
She strutted right past, out of The Ramirez Group building.
Lawrence's intense gaze followed her. She'd been upstairs for half an hour; things must've gone smoothly. She ignored him, her walk cold and sharp, her hair swaying gracefully. Her slender waist wrapped in a white blouse and narrow skirt, her legs straight, and a pair of pretty basic high heels, yet she rocked them with a seductive charm.
Lawrence's eyes heated up, his throat tightening. In the past, seeing her like this would've stirred his desires.
It still did, but his body had no reaction.
He closed his eyes, wondering if he really had erectile dysfunction.
Outside in the parking lot, Winnie got into the business car, looking a bit spaced out.
When Melanie noticed her gaze lingering on The Ramirez Group, she cleverly waited, "Winnie, did you forget something?"
Winnie glanced at the documents, missing an unimportant scrap contract.
'Lawrence is still waiting, probably clueless that the receptionist is lying to him. And Herman's already snuck out the back door to the golf course.' She closed her eyes, telling herself this wasn't about helping him. 'I just can't stand people like Herman!'
Winnie glanced at Melanie, seeing her stifling a laughter, her face dark, "If you want to get that scrap contract, go ahead. And remind some clueless folks."
"Alright. I'm just being nice," Melanie winked.
Winnie was speechless, watching her walk back.
Melanie grabbed the contract and, passing by Lawrence, returned. She was a bit scared, intimidated by Lawrence's stern gaze, even though he had fallen. "Mr. Rodriguez, I just saw Herman sneak out the back door."
Lawrence looked at her, his expression calm. After a moment, he said softly, "Thanks."
Melanie immediately ran off.
"How Herman dares to mess with you! Mr. Rodriguez, should we get some bodyguards to teach him a lesson?" The secretary, Dominic Day, was fuming. The Rodriguez Group used to be a big deal; this never happened before.
But Lawrence ignored Dominic's anger, his deep eyes looking outside as Winnie's car drove away.
Suddenly, a glimmer of light flashed in his desolate eyes.
"Let's go," Lawrence said.
"Mr. Rodriguez, aren't you gonna teach Herman a lesson?"
Lawrence looked at Dominic and said, "Don't you think the Rodriguez Group has enough bad press already? Get used to the days when no one repays our debts."
Dominic calmmed up, feeling wronged. But looking at Mr. Rodriguez, who looked calm without a hint of anger yet still maintained his stateliness, he thought maybe this was what made him truly strong, and shield him from small humiliations.
Dominic suddenly understood why Bob valued Lawrence so much, calling him the future of the Rodriguez Group.
An hour later, Winnie finished her work, and as the car passed a mall, she thought of getting some desserts for Mia.
Olivia wasn't home, and she hadn't been in touch last night. Mia was feeling down and needed cheering up.
"Melanie, what brand of cake do you recommend for kids?" On the second floor, Winnie wandered around, asking.
"Winnie, why are you asking me? I haven't had kids; how would I know their tastes?" Melanie laughed.
Winnie looked up at her, thinking this scatterbrain, whose daughter was four, and she didn't know.
She raised an eyebrow and said, "Go to that store across the way and buy one of each of the cute ones. I'll pick some of Oscar's favorites here."
"Okay!" Melanie ran off.
Winnie picked out some items, about to check out when she suddenly heard a loud noise from the railing opposite.
She instinctively turned around, not knowing what had happened.
A store clerk ran out to check and shouted, "Someone fell!"
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